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Capital Programme and Rent Levels Agreed

Over £8 million will be invested in the area's Council housing during the coming year.

The significant expenditure was agreed at today's meeting of Clackmannanshire Council, when members also agreed a rent rise of 4.8% for 2008/09.

The rise means the new average rent in Clackmannanshire will be £51.54, an increase of £2.36.

Councillor Sam Ovens, Regeneration Portfolio Holder, said: "This rent rise, which has been subject to extensive consultation, will being real benefits to tenants, helping us to meet their needs and aspirations.

"Building on last year's record investment, we intend to spend over £20 million on improvements to our housing stock over the next three years. Tenants have already told us that their priorities are for new doors and kitchen and bathroom replacement programme. These desirable improvements are already well underway, and in the case of doors, nearing completion.

"Thanks to this investment, the Council is on target to deliver Scottish Quality Housing Standard by 2015."

A report detailing the Council's plans to improve the local housing stock throughout the county came before councillors. In finalising spending plans every effort has been made to effectively target resources to the priorities established through detailed consultation with tenants.

The 2007/08 capital programme saw almost £10 million being invested in the local housing stock and it is expected that by the end of the financial year that:

the door replacement programme will be complete

982 new kitchens will have been installed

399 bathrooms will have been replaced

The 2008/09 capital programme expenditure is £8.665 million, including £3.86 million on new kitchens, £1 million on replacement bathrooms and £1.14 million on central heating systems.

Head of Housing, Property and Benefit Advice John Gillespie said: "The annual tenants' conference is being organised for April. This is an important event at which tenants will reflect and review the progress being made towards meeting the Housing Quality Standard. They will also review the enhanced improvements which are being made after being identified by tenants as their priorities. More details about the conference will be available for tenants nearer the time."

An updated SQHS Business Plans will be issued for consultation in the near future.